Recommend low cost socket A board

[neptunefix]

I have an Abit KV7 and for the most part, I've liked the board, but I accidentally killed it while changing the northbridge HSF out. (dont ask me how)

Just curious what you guys recommend for a stable, reliable socket A board that can scale up to 400fsb. I dont need LAN or built in video, but solid stereo sound is preferred. What brands are known for consistant reliability?

I was checking out the MSI KT6V-LSR, because I cant find any low cost Abit or Asus boards and those are the brands I'm used to. I'm looking to spend no more than $60, as I spent $55 on my KV7 a while back.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[neptunefix]

Oh yes, and what's the lowdown on the chipsets? I've heard that the Nforce 2 sets were often buggy.. the KT600 seemed nice. What's the difference between KT600 and KM400 and KT400?

 

[neptunefix]

Ok, I just answered my own question about the KM400 - it's for micro ATX. I'm still anxious to get recommendations on socket A boards though.

 

[ChineseDemocracyGNR]

I would recommend another KV7.

If you search pricewatch you'll find it, I believe ewiz.com carries them. Don't confuse with the KV7-V though.

As for the nForce2 chipset, I think the most serious bug was corrupting BIOS. I've had 3 of them in my hand that just stoped booting because of this. Other than that people had problems with drivers, but I think they're much better now. If you go this route the MSI K7N2 Delta2-LSR is really cheap.
If you run dual-channel the nForce2 is faster than the KT600, and about as fast as VIA's KT880.

 

[neptunefix]

Unfortunately, the KV7 seems to be out of stock at any cheap places.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: neptunefix
Ok, I just answered my own question about the KM400 - it's for micro ATX. I'm still anxious to get recommendations on socket A boards though.

Take a look at the full size MB's from Shuttle. They tend not to include every possible bell and whistle, so are readily available in the $50-$60 range. The AN35 is an NF2 MB that gets good marks in spite of lowball cost.

:beer: